One arrested in cruelty case

WALKER - Sheriff's deputies in Livingston Parish arrested a Canadian citizen they said was in the country illegally on suspicion of cruelty to a 71-year-old Walker woman.

Detectives accused Christopher Gregus, 47, of battery, cruelty, and exploitation of the infirmed, as well as theft of medication, and arrested him Oct. 17.

Investigators said Gregus physically abused and threatened his mother-in-law after her daughter, who was her primary caretaker, died. Gregus was married to the daughter and took over her care, which is when deputies said the abuse began.

They also said Gregus took more than $1,500 from her bank accounts without permission, and stole her prescription medication as well.

Deputies said after they arrested Gregus they found out he was a Canadian citizen in the country illegally. They said U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement put a "hold" on him for the time being.